Visalia, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Separate sale
- Prohibited. JADU must stay with primary dwelling
- Applies to
- Junior ADUs (JADUs) only
- Exception
- As may otherwise be permitted by state law
- Deed restriction filed with
- Tulare County Recorder's office
- Restriction removal
- Written request to City + evidence JADU is eliminated
Summary
A junior ADU (JADU) in Visalia cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling: both must remain under the same ownership. This restriction is recorded in a deed restriction that runs with the land and binds future owners.
17.14.110 Standards applicable to junior accessory dwelling units. H. Deed Restriction. Junior accessory dwelling units shall comply with the following deed restriction requirements: 1. Deed Restriction Required. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a junior accessory dwelling unit, a deed restriction shall be recorded against the title of the property in the Tulare County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the city. The deed restriction shall run with the land and bind all future owners. The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the city and shall provide that: a. The junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold separately from the primary dwelling, except as may otherwise be permitted by state law. b. The junior accessory dwelling unit is restricted to the approved size and other attributes allowed by this section. c. The deed restriction runs with the land and shall be enforced against future property owners. (Ord. 2024-15 § 1 (part), 2025)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-50: Municipal Code contains Supplement, current through Ordinance 2025-15, passed 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
The prohibition on separate sale applies to JADUs specifically, not to full ADUs. The deed restriction must be recorded with Tulare County Recorder before a building permit is issued. The deed restriction also requires the JADU to remain limited to the approved size and attributes. An exception exists where state law may otherwise permit separate sale. The restriction can be removed if the owner eliminates the JADU by making a written request to the City with supporting evidence, after which the City confirms the unit has been eliminated.
Violations & Fines
Attempting to sell a JADU separately from the primary dwelling, or otherwise violating the deed restriction, can result in legal action under § 17.14.110.H.3, including an injunction or abatement of the illegal unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my junior ADU as a separate condo unit?
Can I still rent out my junior ADU to a tenant?
What if I decide to eliminate the junior ADU later?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Visalia
California rules heatmap·Compare Visalia to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.